BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick has rued the loss of speedster Shannon Gabriel for tomorrow’s final One-Day International against England but said the Trinidadian’s absence could provide an opportunity to expose other talent.
Gabriel limped out of the second ODI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium last Sunday after sending down three overs, with scans subsequently confirming he had sustained a side strain and ruling him unavailable for the Kensington Oval clash.
Barbados fast bowler Miguel Cummins, who was a member of the original 15-man squad, has been recalled to the 13-man unit and Estwick said this could allow West Indies to gauge the strength of their reserves.
“He’s going to be a big loss is Shannon because he’s led the line very well with the new ball,” Estwick told reporters here yesterday.
“He’s gone out there and been aggressive but it’s good to give people opportunities as well. It gives you a chance to see where your stock is at, to see how deep your cupboard is or how many players you’ve got in reserve.”
Gabriel made an impact in both matches in the series, using his searing pace to good effect. In the opening game last Friday, he picked up two early wickets to reduce England to 29 for two in the eighth over before the tourists recovered to make 296 and pull off a 45-run win.
And in the second ODI, he snatched a wicket with the second ball of England’s run chase with just one run on the board, before having to leave the game prematurely.
Cummins has played only two ODIs but Estwick said he would be a worthy replacement for Gabriel.
“If Miguel gets an opportunity on Thursday I’m sure he’s not going to let anybody down. He’s been around the team now for a year or so it’s just another addition to the squad.”
